“My powers are fueled by passion- by fanning that inner flame until it culminates into an explosion of draconic rage. Just as a fire burns, I let my emotions consume me.”

While the nature of Dragonheart’s powers are volatile, it’s just as essential to know how her draconic powers work and their origin. Back when dragons roamed the earth, this ancient power to embody the strength of a dragon was bestowed to only the strongest and most trusted warriors of the Middle Ages, making it one of the most rare powers to possess. After the dragons were attacked and all but wiped out by their former human companions, so too were their half dragon guardians in an effort to protect their wards.

Only when these knights were at their limit did they harness the more beast-like form that they could take, it was common at the time to associate a knight’s transformation as a sign that they’re dangerously close to death, triggering a final frenzied attempt to live before they ultimately succumb to their attackers.

How does this relate to Sunngifu? Well, her transformations were initially forced to happen in an effort to utilize this secondary form more, by using artificial means. Her hero suit used to be rigged with adrenaline boosters to meet the requirements of triggering it, which isn’t normal for her. The benefits for doing hero work is great, but it’s detrimental to her health long term. Once the Titans realized this, they immediately removed the boosters to keep her safe.

This isn’t the only trigger, however. A much safer way for Sunny to take her secondary form is by allowing it to happen naturally, by relying on the intensity of her emotions. While different emotions can activate a specific power of Starfire’s, and Raven’s powers are controlled by suppressing her emotions, Dragonheart’s powers operate by the buildup and release of emotions. The more she feels, the more intense her powers become, with the aim of overwhelming her enemies with raw strength. It could be anger, sadness, fear- no matter the emotion, she just needs to feel all of it, though negative emotions are the most effective. This means that Sunny can’t use her most powerful form anytime she pleases, and it can be active at the most inconvenient times, but it’s as it’s meant to be.

In short, there’s a reason why her beast form is something to be feared- when it does appear, you best be prepared to experience the fight of your life, because there’s no mercy behind those burning eyes.

This amazing piece is a commission from  Jadan!

See the piece paired with this one here:
Born to Fight

See Dragonheart's ref sheets and read more about her here:
Sunny Half Dragon Form Ref Sheet
Dragonheart Draconic Form Ref Sheet

Read more about Dragonheart's small dragon companion, Rori here:
Rori Ref Sheet

See artwork of and read more about Dragonheart's relationship with the other Titans here (to be added as they're made):
Rori
Nightwing
Starfire
Cyborg
Beast Boy
Raven
Jericho